Page:Plays in Prose and Verse (1922).djvu/112

96. Let go my habit!

. Have you persuaded him To chirp between two dishes when the King Sits down to table?

. Let go my habit, sir!

[Crosses to centre of stage.

. And maybe he has learned to sing quite softly Because loud singing would disturb the King, Who is sitting drowsily among his friends After the table has been cleared. Not yet!

[ has been dragged some feet clinging to the ’s habit. You did not think that hands so full of hunger Could hold you tightly. They are not civil yet. I'd know if you have taught him to eat bread From the King’s hand, and perch upon his finger. I think he perches on the King’s strong hand. But it may be that he is still too wild. You must not weary in your work; a king Is often weary, and he needs a God To be a comfort to him.

[The plucks his habit away and goes into palace. holds up his hand as if a bird perched upon it. He pretends to stroke the bird.

A little God, With comfortable feathers, and bright eyes.